L&T is a fresh twist on the travel industry that is breaking new ground. It’s a GroupOn-style ‘collective-buying’ site with a TripAdvisor-style traveller-rated destination guide. See how it works here:

Going Global

The first L&T destination launched was Prague, but there are around 30 more city sites scheduled to go live by the end of the year.

This is exciting news for anyone with an adventurous spirit (locals and independent travellers!), as, without having to be part of a large group, it provides the sorts of discounts to buyers that big companies like TUI, Thomas Cook, Qantas or Flight Centre get from their suppliers.

Better yet, L&T special deals are chosen based on tips and recommendations collected directly from locals and travellers! And, after a deal is done, these products remain on the L&T site top-50 list, with each product rated by those who have used it. So even if buyers miss the initial special deal, the products identified and promoted through L&T will be available to book throughout the year, albeit not at the same big discounted promotional rate.

Keeping Things Local… and Charitable

As with all WHL Group businesses, L&T is built around a franchise model that empowers local partners who own and operate the business. In Prague the local partner is the team from Prague.tv, no less than Prague’s most popular city guide. Other local partners in other cities are equally well enmeshed in the vibes of their destinations.

Also in keeping with the WHL Group ethos of supporting local communities, L&T works with local charities and nongovernmental organisations. Local community groups are always struggling to come up with new ideas to raise money for their projects, so Lime&Tonic has found a great way to help. In each destination, L&T selects four partner charity organisations for the year. On a rotating basis, one of these charity partners is featured each week along with the weekly deal… and 10% of whatever is raised goes to that charity. In return, the charity partner helps promote the weekly deal by pushing out notice to its members. A perfect win-win scenario that builds audience and income for both the charity and L&T. Check out the Prague Charities Page and see the great organisations that L&T supports.

Cool, Caring, Collective… and Digital

L&T is currently finalising an iPhone app that will include a host of features, like an up-to-date, geo-located great-things-to-see-and-do feature. See the L&T iPhone details here.

There are also always a host of other viral activities, such as giving ‘hiptips‘ and ‘tidbits‘, through which travellers and locals can earn points and freebies.

For inspiration, we turned to the Adventure Tourism Development Index (ATDI), a ranking system designed to spotlight and encourage adventure travel markets that are sensitive to the needs of communities and the environment. The admirable result of the combined efforts of our friends at the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Xola Consulting, as well as The George Washington University’s International Institute of Tourism Studies, the ATDI emphasises what most mainstream ranking systems overlook; it awards high marks for community and environmental development as much as hard infrastructure, all in keeping with 10 pillars of adventure tourism market competitiveness based on principles of sustainable adventure tourism.

From the popular resort town of Nida, Lithuania, hikers can access some of Europe's tallest moving sand dunes – some reaching up to 60 metres in height – on the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO-ranked Heritage Site. Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/Lee Fenner

Given the WHL Group’s commitment to working in off-the-beaten-path destinations, we were most interested in the 10 developing countries ranked highest for adventure travel competitiveness. The ATDI recommendations may surprise you, but we believe you should keep the winners on your radar.

#10 – Lithuania

Numerous conservation areas and abundant hiking trails make Lithuania an excellent choice for nature lovers. One particularly unique site is the Curonian Spit, a long thin peninsula stretching south from Klaipeda in western Lithuania to Russia and separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Curonian Spit is renowned for its white-sand beaches, picturesque dunes and secluded pine forests. Near the Russian border, the quaint settlement of Nida has attracted artists and creative types for centuries. With onshore and offshore sports opportunities made possible by The Beautiful Land of Nevermind, the whl.travel local connection, the area makes a great retreat from hectic city life.

#9 – Botswana

The vast sands of the Kalahari cover roughly 85 percent of Botswana, and the country’s wildlife reserves are some of the world’s premier safari destinations. To the north, at the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve is best toured during dry season, with game watching at its peak from July through October. Nearby Chobe National Park has superb birding in the Savuti Marsh. In the east, the Tuli Game Reserve promises abundant wildlife, plus ruins of ancient Rhodesian settlements. Cube Safaris, the whl.travel local connection in Botswana, offers a range of tours to wilderness areas, including mokoro boat rides through the flood plains of the Okavango, elephant-back safaris and more.

The white storks of Latvia are also known as Svetelis, which signifies the thought of stork as the saints. Locals believe that farmsteads or meadows frequented by storks are blessed.

#8 – Latvia

Dynamic Latvia is rich in natural wonders, with forests covering more than 40 percent of the country. Just north of the capital, Riga, hikers can explore the caves, rivers and dense woodlands within Gauja National Park. Elsewhere, the sprawling Kemeri National Park contains 427 square kilometres of preserved forests, bogs and lakes, in addition to a well-maintained network of nature trails. The whl.travel local connection in Riga, Blueberry Travel, offers guided excursions to historic towns and medieval castles and other longer trips exploring the scenic beauty of the countryside, the local culture and many other extraordinary architectural gems and palaces.

#7 – Bulgaria

Beyond the stunning landmarks and red army monuments of Sofia, the wide open terrain of mountainous Bulgaria will give even the most avid hikers a serious run for their money. In the heart of the country, Central Balkan National Park has excellent hiking trails and native residents that include bears, wild goats, wolves and over 200 species of birds. The popular ski area of Bankso makes a great base for outdoor pursuits in summer as well for hiking, cycling, horseback riding and even fishing in Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At night, head out to the local mehanas (traditional taverns) for live folk music and good local wine.

Located in southern Chilean Patagonia, the spectacular 181,000-hectare Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO-rated Biosphere Reserve and an unequalled destination for nature lovers, backpackers and mountaineers. Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/ground.zero

#6 – Chile

Chile has long been regarded as a must-see destination for adventure travellers. It’s no wonder why. From pristine Patagonia to the unearthly Valley of the Moon and harsh environment of the Atacama, this 4,300-kilometre-long country covers an extraordinary variety of climates and ecosystems. Torres del Paine is a solid choice for hikers and trekkers, while Pucón in the scenic Lakes District has both great winter skiing on Volcán Villarrica and an endless range of warm-weather activities like hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing and white-water rafting. Meanwhile, Chiloé Island is renowned for its birding, paddling and wildlife like Magellanic penguins, Chilote fox and rare pudú miniature deer.

#5 – Slovenia

From lush vineyards to remote forests and alpine peaks, the landscape of Slovenia is tailor-made for nature lovers and outdoor entusiasts of all abilities. For a serious trek, the 30-day Slovenian Mountain Trail is the oldest traverse in the country, crossing directly over the Julian Alps and ascending Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak (2,864 metres). You can also catch a glimpse of the traditional herdsman’s life on a two-day countryside trek to the Alpine dairy settlement of Velika Planina or tour the Pokljuka plateau. After a long hike, unwind while sampling local vintages on a wine-tasting tour in cosmopolitan Ljubljana.

In Estonia's Soomaa National Park, when there are no raised paths, special bogshoes aid with trekking through a watery fairytale landscapes. Here, travellers study plant species.

#4 – Estonia

It’s easy to escape the crowds in Estonia, with just 1.3 million people one of the least populous countries in the European Union. Natural wetlands cover more than one fifth of the country – and the parks are prime territory for canoeing, kayaking and bog-shoeing. For glorious outdoor indulgence, head to Soomaa National Park – its name translates literally to “land of the bogs.” From a base nearby, on the banks of the River Navesti, at Ritsu Talu Farm (cosy camping huts, saunas and rental canoes), explore the park on your own or venture off on a nighttime beaver safari for close encounters with the area’s infamous flat-tailed inhabitants.

#3 – Czech Republic

The culture-filled capital of Prague is reason alone to travel to the Czech Republic, but we strongly suggest veering off into the wilds of Bohemia’s natural forests, historic villages and scenic national parks. From the medieval town of Český Krumlov opportunities abound for kayaking along the Vltava – the upper reaches of the river near the Lipno Dam are best suited to white-water rafting. For heart-pounding downhill winter action, head to the snowcapped peaks of Rokytnice nad Jizerou, an ancient mining town in the western part of the Krkonoše – also known as the “Giant Mountains.” In summer, gorgeous waterfalls, caves, and forests make the area heaven for hikers.

Dominated by a castle built during the 13th Century, the medieval town of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic has maintained its historic character and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/Midweekpost

#2 – Israel

Despite its small size, Israel boasts a spectacularly varied landscape that includes arid desert, towering cliffs and stunning coastline – terrain perfect for all sorts of outdoor pursuits. Underwater enthusiasts should head straight to Eilat on the Red Sea, where dives feature shallow coral gardens, wrecks and abundant fish life. By the Dead Sea, the 2,500-hectare Ein Gedi Nature Reserve has posted hiking trails and animals like ibex, hyrax and Egyptian vultures. Further north, Metzoke Dragot makes a great base for rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking. The village has guides for desert excursions – canyon hikes, abseiling courses, camel rides and more – just one hour’s drive east of Jerusalem.

#1 – Slovak Republic

Long viewed as a junior partner to the Czech Republic, Slovakia has emerged as a leading destination for adventure travellers, complete with plenty of well-marked mountain trails, challenging cycling routes, and numerous glacial lakes and rivers well suited to canoeing, rafting and fishing. Although prices have gone up slightly since the euro was adopted, the Tatras Mountains along the border with Poland still boast plenty of affordable hotels and quaint mountain huts. One popular trek is the Tatranska Magistrala, a red-blazed trail crossing the Tatras from east to west between Velke Biele pleso to the town of Podbanske. The hike takes about 16 hours, although trailside huts are available for multi-day undertakings.

Found just off Prague's Charles Bridge, this typical souvenir shop is chock-a-block full of football jerseys, T-shirts, tacky trinkets and Russian memorabilia galore

As one of the most popular mini-break destinations in Europe, Prague is weighed down with an abundance of souvenir shops and markets offering goods of varying qualities and authenticity. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the knickknack hawkers crammed around the hot spots of Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are mafia-run money-laundering operations and should therefore be given wide berth. Still, even elsewhere, sifting through the cheap imitations and tourist tat to uncover that bona fide little piece of Prague can be a daunting prospect. Fortunately, there are several gifts that do not fit into the kitsch category and are worthy of your hard-earned cash.

My [insert name here] went to Prague and all I got was this lousy [insert any of the following here]

If authenticity is not an issue and kitsch is what you’re after, here are some of the worst offenders:

Matryoshka dolls: That they are called Russian Nesting Dolls should be a bit of a giveaway that they do not hail from the Czech Republic. This does not seem to deter the hordes that gaily procure one believing it’s a national treasure. Other Russian mementos include ushankas (furry hats), military apparel and memorabilia, and amber.

Absinthe: This version has had all of the fun stuff taken out and a lot of migraine-inducing colours and additives put in. If it’s those much-hyped hallucinations you’re after, make sure you hold your breath for a couple of minutes after downing your shot.

The drink of choice for many famous artists, writers and intellectuals in the 1800s, the 'Green Fairy' was made illegal in several countries on account of its supposed hallucinogenic properties. In the Czech Republic, the traditional 'Bohemian Method' of drinking absinthe involves placing a spirit-soaked sugar cube on a slotted spoon over a glass containing one shot of absinthe. The sugar is then set ablaze and the flaming cube is dropped into the glass, so igniting the liquor.

T-Shirts and sweatshirts (made in China, naturally) emblazoned with the following logos:

• Prague drinking team
• Czech me out / Czech mate

Oscar Wilde said that “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit,” but he’d obviously forgotten about punning…

The Real Deal

Just to show that it’s not all bad, here are the souvenirs that should make your shopping list:

Handmade wooden marionettes and toys: Puppet theatre is a long-established custom in the Czech Republic, harking back to the morality plays enacted in town squares in the Middle Ages. This is a strong artisanal tradition handed down through the generations and involves a high level of craftsmanship, which means you can feel suitably smug that you are supporting a vibrant local trade and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

We recommend you check out these shops: Galerie Marionette (U Lužického semináře 7) and Marionety (Nerudova 51), both in Malá Strana near Prague Castle. Old Town’s Havelský trh (market) is also a great place to find items like wooden toys and marionettes. Manufaktura (see below) also produces some fabulous handicrafts.

Bohemian garnet (granat): This gem is mined in the hills near Turnov in the north of the country and is famed for its particularly vivid shade of red. If you’re short on space (but not on cash), then some bespoke jewellery makes an ideal gift.

Puppetry has a long history in the Czech Republic and puppet theatre is still popular. Visitors keen to learn more about this fascinating tradition can even sign themselves up for a puppet-making course, where they are taught how to carve and operate a marionette and put on a performance.

Popular retailers include Cesky Granat (Celetna 4) and Granat Turnov (Dlouha 30), both not far from the Old Town Square. Remember that unless you’re buying an antique (or a fake!) you should always receive a certificate of authenticity with your purchase.

Becherovka: This traditional Czech spirit is made from a blend of herbs and spices and renowned for its restorative properties (in moderation, of course). Drunk on its own or with tonic – a refreshing concoction called Beton – this is one alcoholic beverage that you can claim with conviction is good for your health without sounding like a prime candidate for the 12-step program. As with all alcohol, Becherovka can be purchased in any supermarket or local shop (potraviny) and there’s always Duty Free if you’ve left it to the last minute.

Other handicrafts: For some great smellies and natural skincare and cosmetic products, head over to Botanicus, one of the first bio stores in Prague. They have a great range of locally sourced and produced eco-goods (food, toiletries, aromatherapy oils, herbal tinctures and household products). Botanicus has a number of outlets across Prague, but their flagship store is in Ungelt, just off Old Town Square.

Another local favourite to have a nose around is Manufaktura, which has an extensive collection of natural beauty products and traditional handmade gifts. The Olga Havel Foundation (a human rights organisation set up in the 1990s) has a shop at number 19, Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane), in Malá Strana, where you can buy a range of gifts and handicrafts all created by people with mental and physical disabilities.

Mucha Memorabilia: The Art Nouveau painter Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) continues to be one of the Czech Republic’s most famous artistic talents. He was thrown into the limelight when he designed a poster for the play Gismonda starring Sandra Bernhard – Paris’s leading lady in the late 1800s. You can pick up reproductions, postcards, posters, photos, calendars, glass, jewellery, hand-painted silk scarves, books, mugs, lamps and handmade notepaper at the museum gift shop on Old Town Square.

Risky Business

Bohemian cut glass and crystal: Although quintessentially Czech and undeniably beautiful, its fragility makes it a risky souvenir to take home; nobody wants to lug a beautiful vase thousands for miles only to have it turned to dust by the sausage-fingered airport baggage handlers’ gentle touch.

If you’re willing to take the plunge, check out Moser glass on the famous shopping street Na Příkopě (just off Wenceslas Square), Erpet Bohemia Crystal (Old Town Square) or Celetna Crystal (Celetna street, just off Old Town Square).

The origins of the famous blue onion pattern on some of the porcelain made in the Czech Republic actually stem from the mistaken interpretation of a pomegranate motif from East Asian styles, which were then adapted to suit European tastes.

A lot more practical way to get your mitts on some crystal is by purchasing jewellery that incorporates crystal beads. The town of Jablonec has been one of the largest producers of beads worldwide since the 17th century and the international Jablonex brand has a fantastic selection of crystal and glass costume jewellery from fashionable and funky to elegant evening wear. Jablonex has a store on Wenceslas Square and in the Palác Flóra shopping mall in Vinohrady. The Korálkárna bead shop on Újezd also sells individual beads for the dexterous and artsy-craftsy inspired to string together a more personal bracelet or necklace.

Czech Porcelain: Either the blue onion motif (affectionately known as the cibulák) or the Thun-brand porcelain have the stamp of authenticity, as they have been produced in the country since the late 1700s. Dům porcelánu, in between IP Pavlova and Náměstí Míru, has an extensive selection of quality porcelain from which to choose.

A stunning sunset view of Prague and the Vltava River

Mozart was not alone in his praise for Europe’s cultural capital either. Other great composers such as Beethoven, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, Liszt and Schumann also extolled its virtues and loved to play the city’s opulent concert halls. Needless to say, the musical heritage of the country once described as the conservatory of Europe does not begin and end with Mozart; it has also produced some much vaunted home-grown talent in the form of Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák and Leoš Janáček. These maestros are credited with catapulting Czech music into the international arena and helping to redefine Prague as a beacon for classical music aficionados.

Gotta Cantata

As you are walking the cobbled streets of the city, it is impossible to ignore the mellifluous strains of music wafting from doors and windows across the Old Town and environs of Prague Castle. The melodies serve as a perfect complement to the exquisite architecture and old-world charm of Prague and it is this irresistible marriage of pitch-perfect music and picture-perfect scenery that adds to the city’s allure and ensures it retains its mantle of Europe’s honeymoon hotspot. Yet even if Cupid’s arrow seems to have passed you by and you don’t know your cantata from your cavatina, you would be foolish not to soak up at least one classical performance while you’re here.

There are year-round performances often daily and nightly in the many concert halls and churches dotted throughout town, but it’s the balmy summer months when trade is briskest. Prague’s premier classical music venues are all celebrated centres of cultural and architectural significance and should be on everyone’s must-see list when visiting Prague.

One of the most impressive Neo-Renaissance buildings in Prague, the Rudolfinum is also home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

The Rudolfinum

The Rudolfinum, on the banks of the Vltava River in the Old Town is a neo-Renaissance masterpiece and home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Its main hall – named in honour of Dvořák – is famed for its incredible acoustics and regularly hosts the most prestigious musical events on the classical calendar.

Key shows to look out for include the Prague Spring International Music Festival (the Big Kahuna of Prague’s classical festival circuit), which draws not only top soloists and orchestras from around the world, but huge crowds as well. It was founded in 1946 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the end of World War II and the 50th birthday of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and, since its inception, has been a breeding ground for new talent as well as a gathering of the foremost names in the field of classical music. For its 64th year, the opening date in 2010 has been set for May 12th, but the closing date is yet to be confirmed.

If you’re arriving outside the spring months, fear not; with Dvořák’s Prague Festival in August and September, the Prague Autumn International Music Festival in September and October and the Prague Winter International Music Festival in January, you’ll still have plenty of opportunity to sample some classical culture. Running from 2 to 7 January, the Winter Festival, with the best of opera, ballet and classical music, is held in some of the most beautiful venues in the city, including the Prague State Opera, the National Theatre and the Rudolfinum. The year 2010 will be the festival’s 38th anniversary and music lovers can look forward to compositions from Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Lehar, Strauss, Smetana and Shostakovich.

Municipal House

The stunningly ornate Municipal House (Obecní dům) on Náměstí Republiky is the other mainstay of Prague’s classical music scene. This Art Nouveau building houses the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, which regularly plays in the awe-inspiring Smetana Hall.

Picturesque Prague Castle Gardens

Other Venues

Other venues of note that host regular performances include the Klementinum, Lobkowicz Palace, National Museum and Bertramka, the latter having been Mozart’s former residence and now a museum.

Don’t forget to check out the churches too, as these also hold regular concerts: St Nicholas Church in Old Town Square, St George’s Basilica in the Prague Castle complex, Bethlehem Chapel, St Jilji Church and St Martin in the Wall Church in Old Town are all great places to catch a classical performance. Remember to bring some warm clothing with you though, as it can get a little chilly even in summer!

Getting Tickets

Tickets for any of the key festivals or concerts sell like hot cakes, so booking in advance is always advisable. You can check availability and purchase tickets online easily and securely through www.ticketstream.cz and www.ticketpro.com.

So even if you’re usually more at home pogoing at a Skinny Puppy gig and you wouldn’t know Dvořák’s New World Symphony if it poked you with a conductor’s baton, give your Doc Marten boots the night off and go discover for yourself the lifeblood running through Prague’s veins – not its beer, but its music!

PragueHotel-Link.cz is your local connection and the whl.travel partner in Prague. For more information with lots of insider tips about Prague, including Prague hotels and Prague tours, the team are standing by at www.praguehotel-link.cz.